Starting a business can be terrifying. Weighing the pros and cons, the risks, and other considerations can be so overwhelming that often promising entrepreneurs stop before they even start. We asked some phenomenal entrepreneurs about their thought process behind starting their own businesses. Our hope is that by making the thought-process less intimidating we can help more folks think through whether they should take an entrepreneurial leap.

Tati Grant | CEO

My thought process behind starting my own salon and spa, listen it definitely not my idea. It’s crazy because when people ask me what made me open in Mandi’ s Salon and Spa, I always say it was a super natural download from God. Read more>>

Elizabeth Clark | Owner – The Tiny Tantrum

I’ve wanted my own business ever since I worked for an online business about 10 years ago. I first started an online business with a friend in my early 20’s where we focused on women’s apparel. It had a good run but we had a lot of life changes that made it difficult to continue business. Read more>>

JazmenGlory Kelly | Lash & Brow Artist

Ive been in the beauty industry for 7 years now and have worked in a lot of diverse spaces. I’ve gained a lot of knowledge and have had a lot of experiences. I am grateful for it all because it has helped shape and mold me into the artist I am today. However, none of those spaces quite felt like home. Read more>>

Charmica Bernette Curry | Educator & Skincare Creator

I started my business a few months after my son announced to me that he was ugly! He had severe eczema that left him scared, irritated and frustrated. As a mother, I had to find a solution! Read more>>

Stephan C. Baity | Owner Pop’s Secret Seasoning & Executive Chef

When “Pops” passed away. I struggled with out having my father around. In the year of 2020 on Father’s Day I decided to put together a few bottles of his signature seasoning blend and sell them online. They sold out immediately! That’s when Pop’s Secret Seasoning was born. Read more>>

Mikal Bright | Tech Owner & Director

I started my business because I saw a need for it. I noticed that many people were struggling to understand technology, and I wanted to help them. I have always been a tech-savvy person, and I find it easy to figure things out. I also enjoy teaching others, so I thought it would be a great way to combine my skills and passions. Read more>>

Dr Nicole Roberts Jones | Bankroll Your Brilliance Expert

I actually never set out to start a business. Really I was being obedient to what I know is my calling. My journey started back in 1993 when I had the dream job working in the entertainment industry, the job I had always wanted since I was 7 years old. Read more>>

Briana Way | Body Butter Queen & Registered Nurse

Long story short, I am a Registered Nurse and the year 2020 came and took everything by storm and it definitely redirected my path in so many ways. I needed an escape from the medical field and all things healthcare. Skincare and Bodycare have always been my passion so when I decided to start my business it became a healthy outlet for me to express myself and do something truly enjoyable that I loved! Read more>>

Corey & Jessica Perlman | Digital Marketing Agency Owners

We decided early on that we wanted to control our own destiny. Both of us had been employed by different companies and quickly learned that wasn’t the path for us. We wanted to build our own schedules – which included being present for big moments that were yet to come. Read more>>

Kris Kesiak | Photographer

My photography business grew in a very organic way alongside my previous full-time job as a graphic designer. With time photography, my hobby since I was a child, started bringing money and I eventually decided to do it full-time. Read more>>

Ray Stiles, Jr. | Owner of Stiles and Company: A Brand Strategy Company

My thought process behind starting my own business stemmed from my desire to pursue my passion for graphic design and creativity. After spending 25 years working in corporate America and gaining valuable insight into business operations, I felt it was time to take the leap and start my own business. I wanted to have the freedom to explore my creative abilities and offer clients a personalized, one-on-one approach to design services. Read more>>

Jamie Campbell | Health and Wellness Coach

Above all, I wanted to have meaningful work and a positive impact on those I work with. I also intended to do something that I am passionate about. I have always been interested in holistic and sustainable wellness. I am thrilled that I am able to turn my passion into a career as a Health and Wellness Coach. Read more>>

Danielle Washington | Non-Profit Founder & Executive Director

The initial idea for Queen Academy, Inc. stemmed from my work as an educator. I taught middle school for several years, and during that time I noticed that many of my female students were unprepared to face all the challenges and social pressures that come with transitioning to high school. Based on that experience, I started Queen Academy in 2013 as an after-school mentoring club. Read more>>

Zoey Qu | Painting, drinking, and traveling

What was the thought process behind your venture? As an illustrator, it is very important to have a firm goal and execution. It’s actually quite common for some recent college graduates to not be clear on what they want to do. Read more>> 

Nadia Howse | Social Media Strategist | Brand Specialist

I wanted to start my own business because I was very passionate about wanting to help small businesses grow, and I wanted to be my own boss. I used to work in a traditional corporate structure, and I felt a bit restricted and unfulfilled because I wasn’t making my own decisions. Read more>>

william Silbernagel | owner

The thought process for starting How Crispy, for me, was that I wanted to take the leap and put all the things i have learned over the years and try to build something from the ground up that is mine. Read more>>

Trinitee Bissainthe Girl Get Dressed Foundation | Nonprofit organization

In all honesty, I won’t even sit here and say that this is something that I also saw myself doing. Yes I have a love for clothing and a major passion for giving back to my community but this idea really just came from me finding my old High school prom dress after visiting home. Read more>>

Rachel Dinkins | CEO & Founder of Rachel Indira Hair Care

My thought process behind starting my own business was trying to solve a problem that I dealt with growing up. I founded Rachel Indira in March of 2020, but researched for many years before creating the brand and formulations. However, it was during the Covid-19 pandemic that I decided this would be the perfect time to focus on my true passion, which is to provide a product that is desperately needed by women and men alike. Read more>>

Samantha Pridgen | Virtual Assistant. Social Media Manager. Graphic Designer

My initial thought process behind starting my business was “Your gifts will make room for you! If you can perform these same money making tasks at a high performing level for someone you’ve never met, surely you can spin this and make it work for you”. And in October of 2021 I did just that! Read more>>

Sydni Allyse | Travel Agent & Business Consultant

My name is Sydni Allyse. I’m from New Jersey but currently reside in Atlanta, GA with my mom, brother, and the best dog in the world, MAC. Growing up I’ve always loved to travel but it wasn’t until my sophomore year in college that I went on my first international trip. I was headed abroad to China for the entire summer and didn’t know where to begin or what to pack. Read more>>

Brandi.jae H | Food & Beverage Photographer

I wanted to be able to use the skills I’ve learned working in my career to do something I love. My main reason for wanting to work for myself is freedom. A lot of jobs do not allow you to have the freedom to do things you actually like to do. I am a creative at heart so having work-life balance is important to me and the creative process. Read more>>

Casey Bradley | Financial Planning for Business Owners

My father was an entrepreneur and I always admired his willingness to bet on himself. My father is my role model, so I always felt called to take a shot at doing something similar to him in the future. Growing up in the household of an entrepreneur provided me with a glimpse of what it takes to run a company, through good times and bad. The “why” behind what we do is all about helping founders of companies reach their personal and financial goals. Read more>>